How to Identify and Report Child Abuse and Neglect in Delaware

1. How to Identify and Report Child Abuse and Neglect in Delaware Developed by the Child Protection Accountability Commission (CPAC)

2. Why is it important to identify and report child abuse and neglect? It is important for you to understand how to identify and report child abuse and neglect to keep children safe. 2 2

3. Children are at a higher risk to be abused or neglected if they are Birth to age 6 or Disabled. 3 3

4. How many children are unsafe because they are abused or neglected? National Statistics In FFY 2009, 3.3 million allegations of child abuse and neglect were reported. 25% of the investigations determined at least one child was abused or neglected. In FFY 2009, 1,770 children died as a result of abuse or neglect. Source: DHHS, ACF Child Maltreatment 2009 4 4

5. How many children are unsafe because they are abused or neglected? (cont.) Delaware Statistics The Division of Family Services received 14,010 reports in FY 2011. Of those, 7,358 (53%) met the criteria for investigation. 1,651 reports were substantiated . Source: Family Services Intake and Investigation Statistics 5 5

6. Delaware’s Mandatory Reporting Obligations WWW.ISEETHESIGNS.ORG 6

7. What is my role in keeping children safe? Delaware law requires every citizen in the State of Delaware to report child abuse and neglect. EVERYONE 7 7

8. Title 16, Subsection 903 of the Delaware Code states: “Any person, agency, organization or entity who knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect shall make a report in accordance with § 904 of this title.…” 8 8

9. Title 16, Subsection 903 of the Delaware Code states: (cont.) “…For purposes of this section, "person" shall include, but shall not be limited to, any physician, any other person in the healing arts including any person licensed to render services in medicine, osteopathy or dentistry, any intern, resident, nurse, school employee, social worker, psychologist, medical examiner, hospital, health care institution, the Medical Society of Delaware or law enforcement agency.”. 9

10. Can I be held liable for making a report about child abuse and neglect? 16 Del.C.§908 (a) states that “Anyone participating in good faith in the making of a report or notifying police officers pursuant to this chapter, performing a medical examination without the consent of those responsible for the care, custody and control of a child pursuant to § 906(b)(5) of this title, or exercising emergency protective custody in compliance with § 907 of this title, shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise exist,… 10 10

11. Can I be held liable for making a report about child abuse and neglect? (cont.) 16 Del.C.§908 (a) states that “…and such immunity shall extend to participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from the above actions taken in good faith. This section shall not limit the liability of any health care provider for personal injury claims due to medical negligence that occurs as a result of any examination performed pursuant to § 906(b)(3) of this title.” 11

12. Can anything happen to me if I do not report child abuse and neglect? There is a penalty for not reporting. 16 Del. C. § 914. Penalty for violation. Whoever violates §903 of this title shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for the first violation, and not to exceed $50,000 for any subsequent violation. (b) In any action brought under this section, if the court finds a violation, the court may award costs and attorneys' fees. 12 12

13. Recognition of Child Abuse Child Abuse Report Line 1-800-292-9582 13

14. How do I recognize child abuse and neglect? There are physical and behavioral indicators that can be observed in children. In addition, there are parent/caretaker factors that may lead you to suspect abuse or neglect may be occurring. 14 14

15. Abuse WWW.ISEETHESIGNS.ORG 15 15

16. Child abuse as defined in the Delaware statute As defined in 10 Del.C.§901(1), “Abuse” or “abused child” means that the person: Causes or inflicts sexual abuse on a child; or Has care, custody, or control of a child, and causes or inflicts: Physical injury through unjustified force as defined in §468 of Title 11; Emotional abuse; Torture; Exploitation; or Maltreatment or mistreatment 16 16 16

17. Child Indicators of Physical AbusePhysical Indicators • Human bite marks • Bald Spots • Unexplained burns • Rope burns on arms, legs, neck or torso • Unexplained fractures • Unexplained lacerations or abrasions 17 17

18. Wary of adult contact Apprehensive when other children cry Behavioral extremes: aggressiveness or withdrawal Overly compliant Afraid to go home Reports injury by parents Exhibits anxiety about normal behavior (i.e. napping) Complains of soreness & moves awkwardly Destructive to self & others Early to school or stays late as if afraid to go home Accident prone Wears clothing that covers body when not appropriate Chronic runaway Cannot tolerate physical contact or touch Child Indicators of Physical AbuseBehavioral Indicators 18

19. Parent/Caretaker Factors for SuspectedPhysical Abuse Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way Uses harsh physical discipline with the child Has a history of abuse as a child 19 19

20. What is the difference between physical abuse and an accidental injury? • Cuts and bruises caused from accidents normally occur in bony areas of the body. • Reoccurring injuries likely indicate abuse. • If a series of injuries appear in a pattern or resemble an object, the injury may have been inflicted. • If the child’s or caregiver’s explanation for the injury is inconsistent with the facts, the injury would be suspect. • Suspect abuse, if there was a delay in seeking medical treatment. 20 20

21. Determining whether an injury is physical abuse or an accidental injury… 1. Medical examination factors 2. Parent/Caretaker factors 21 21

22. What does the medical examination reveal? Location of the injury (e.g., bruise) Mark that looks like an object (e.g. handprint, belt) Injuries discovered during an examination Multiple injuries in various stages of healing Specific types of injuries are suspicious for abuse (e.g., blunt force trauma, spiral fracture, retinal hemorrhages) 22 22

23. What does the parent/caretaker’s history reveal? History of reports and/or investigations by the Division of Family Services (DFS) History of violent offenses recorded in the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) - including domestic violence or animal abuse, threats of violence, use of weapons History of or current mental health problems History of or current substance abuse 23 23

24. Additional parent/caretaker factors include consideration of: • Knowledge and attitudes about parenting/caretaking • Age of the parent/caretaker • Family stressors – unemployment, financial, social isolation, environment • Child related issues that increase vulnerability – developmental, health, mental health, unwanted child 24 24

25. What is the difference between discipline/punishment and physical abuse? Child Abuse Report Line 1-800-292-9582 25 25

26. Discipline versus punishment Discipline Teaches children wrong from right and how to learn from their mistakes Punishment Imposes something unpleasant in response to a problem behavior. 26 26 26

27. Discipline/Punishment versus Physical Abuse Physical discipline and physical punishment becomes physical abuse when the force is unjustified. Delaware law provides guidance for determining whether force is unjustified. 27 27

28. Unjustified Force includes but is not limited to: • Throwing the child, kicking, burning, cutting, striking with a closed fist. • Interfering with breathing • Use of or threatened use of a deadly weapon • Prolonged deprivation of sustenance or medication, or doing any other act that is likely to cause or does cause physical injury, disfigurement, mental distress, unnecessary degradation or substantial risk of serious physical injury or death. 28 28 28

29. Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome) Clinical Definition: Shaken Baby Syndrome, or SBS, is a form of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) that causes bleeding over the surface of the brain, swelling of the brain, bleeding at the back of the eyes, and other injuries not seen together in any other disease or medical condition. Layperson’s Definition: Child abuse involving the shaking of a baby. Shaken Baby Alliance; National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

30. Common Reasons Why Children are Shaken Primary Trigger: To stop the child from crying Frustration builds Caregiver does NOT take care of himself or herself Caregiver loses control Caregiver shakes the baby Secondary “Triggers”: Frustration with toilet training Frustration with a baby’s choosy appetite Frustration with a baby’s crankiness due to being sick Other Chronic Medical Conditions (Reflux)

31. Profile of Head Trauma Abusers In general, most head trauma abusers are male that are the biological father of the child or the mother’s boyfriend May be less familiar with babies’ needs May have financial or family stresses May not be used to a baby’s crying, and may use force to stop the crying Mothers, grandparents, stepparents, other relatives, and childcare providers can shake babies as well Anyone who may become frustrated is capable of shaking a baby National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (2006); National Shaken Baby Coalition (2007); Child Abuse Prevention Network (2007)

32. Indicators of Abusive Head Trauma A severely shaken baby can show one or more of the following signs. Absence of response to stimulation Lethargy Convulsions Inability to make sounds Abnormal eye movements Difficulty breathing Blue-looking or dusky skin tone Unconsciousness Vomiting Crying quieted to whimpering due to brain damage

33. Sexual Abuse WWW.ISEETHESIGNS.ORG 33 33

34. Child Indicators of Sexual AbusePhysical Indicators • Difficulty in walking or sitting • Torn, stained or bloody clothing • Pain or itching in the genital area • Bruises or bleeding in external genitals, vaginal or anal areas • Frequent urinary or yeast infections • Frequent unexplained sore throat 34 34

35. Unwilling to participate in certain physical activities Sudden drop in school performance Crying with no provocation Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge Anorexia Sexually provocative Poor peer relationships Reports sexual abuse by caretaker Fear of or seductiveness toward males Suicide attempts Chronic runaways Early pregnancies Child Indicators of Sexual AbuseBehavioral Indicators 35

36. Parent/Caretaker Factors for Suspected Sexual Abuse Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex Is secretive and isolated Is jealous or controlling with family members * There is evidence of a relationship between domestic violence batterers and sexual abusers. 36 36

37. Sexual Predator Act of 1996 (11 Del. C. §771) The intent of this law is to combat teen pregnancy by imposing more severe criminal sanctions on adult males and holding them financially accountable for children born in violation of this law. 37 37 37

38. Enhanced Penalties for Crimes Associated with Sexual Abuse of Children Title 11 of the Delaware Code Relating to Crimes Against Children and Specific Offenses was amended on June 30, 2010 to clarify who is in a position of trust, authority or supervision over a child and to enhance the penalties for committing such offenses. The provisions of the present criminal code concerning rape and unlawful sexual conduct that contain “position of trust” were also consolidated as a single crime known as "sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, authority or supervision." 38

39. Emotional Maltreatment Child Abuse Report Line 1-800-292-9582 39 39

40. Emotional Abuse versus Emotional Neglect • Emotional abuse - defined as threats to inflict undue physical or emotional harm, and it may also include chronic or recurring incidents of ridiculing, demeaning, and making derogatory remarks. • Emotional neglect - defined as incidents of isolating/shunning, rejecting or ignoring the child. 40

41. Physical Indicators Speech disorders Lags in physical development Failure to thrive Asthma, severe allergies or ulcers Substance abuse Behavioral Indicators Habit Disorders (sucking, biting, rocking, etc.) Conduct disorders Neurotic traits Behavior Extremes Compliant, passive Aggressive, demanding Overly adaptive behavior Inappropriately adult Child Indicators of Emotional Maltreatment 41 41

42. Parent/Caretaker Factors for Suspected Emotional Maltreatment Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's problems Overtly rejects the child 42 42

43. Domestic Violence • If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship call a Domestic Violence Hotline. • Kent & Sussex Counties – 302-422-8058 • New Castle County – 302-762-6110 • En Español – 302-745-9874

44. Neglect WWW.ISEETHESIGNS.ORG 44 44

45. Neglect as defined in the Delaware statute As defined in 10 Del. C. §901 (18) "Neglect" or "neglected child" means that a person: a. Is responsible for the care, custody, and/or control of the child; and b. Has the ability and financial means to provide for the care of the child; and…. 45 45

46. Neglect as defined in the Delaware statute (cont.) 1. Fails to provide necessary care with regard to: food, clothing, shelter, education, health, medical or other care necessary for the child's emotional, physical, or mental health, or safety and general well-being; or 2. Chronically and severely abuses alcohol or a controlled substance, is not active in treatment for such abuse, and the abuse threatens the child's ability to receive care necessary for that child's safety and general well-being, or 3. Fails to provide necessary supervision appropriate for a child when the child is unable to care for that child's own basic needs or safety, after considering such factors as the child's age, mental ability, physical condition, the length of the caretaker's absence, and the context of the child's environment. 46

47. Physical Indicators Consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress Consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities or long periods Unattended physical problems or medical needs Abandonment Chronic lice Distended stomach, emaciated Behavioral Indicators Begging or stealing food Consistent fatigue, listlessness or falling asleep States there is no caretaker at home Frequent school absences or tardiness Destructive School dropout Early emancipation from family Child Indicators of Neglect 47 47

48. Parent/Caretaker Indicators for Suspected Neglect Appears to be indifferent to the child Seems apathetic or depressed Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner Is abusing alcohol or other drugs 48 48

49. Substance Abuse Parental addiction is a significant factor in child abuse and neglect cases, with studies suggesting 40% to 80% of families in the child welfare system are affected by addiction.  Data indicate that abused and neglected children from substance abusing families are more likely to be placed in foster care and to remain there longer than maltreated children from non-substance families. Source: CWLA National Fact Sheet 2008 49 49

50. Substance Abuse (cont.) Endangering the Welfare of a Child 11 Del. C. § 1102(a)(5) (5) The person commits the offense of Driving Under the Influence as set forth in § 4177 of Title 21, or the offense of Operating a Vessel or Boat Under the Influence as set forth in § 2302 of Title 23, and during the commission of the offense knowingly permits a child less than 18 years of age to be a passenger in or on such vehicle, vessel or boat. 50 50